July 28, 2011 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

We sadly said goodbye to GTNP this morning.  We arose early, packed up camp, and were on the road by 8:30.  After a brief stop to swear in GTNP’s newest Jr. Rangers and grab a coffee, we headed north to Yellowstone.  It took all of 1 hour.

We drove the Yellowstone Lake Drive when we arrived, then headed over to Old Faithful to picnic, watch the show and check out the Visitor Center.  I’m pretty sure I was in shock for the first hour we walked around.  People abound.  There were THOUSANDS of us.  And it is still the middle of the week.  What’s going to happen tomorrow and Saturday?

Heart Pool

Old Faithful from Observation Point, a 500 ft vertical climb
and therefore few other tourists

Beehive Geyser from Observation Point

The kids signed up for the Jr. Ranger and Jr. Scientist program and off we went.  We saw OF 3 times, plus the many geysers and pools in the nearby area.  Time ran out on us and we had to leave early to set up camp before Billy’s blood sugar crashed.  Too late! 

The various ways Yellowstone is the Disneyworld of the national park system:

• There is way too much to see in 2-3 days.
• The tour package is probably worth it.
• Copious amounts of kids who do not seem to have parents.
• Crowds at the information desk and lines to see the sights.
• Parking is an issue.
• You can’t walk/bike from one major area to another.
• Mosquitos.

Camping for this long is changing the way I see the world.  For instance, I’m starting to see the benefit of paper plates, plastic forks, Rolo cups, disposable water bottles, etc.  After washing dishes twice a day in glacial water (literally!) without a sink or drainer, I’m ready to throw every regular plate, spoon and coffee mug in the trash.  It’s getting colder too.  Gerry maintains that if I keep my head warmer, I’ll be just fine.  I keep telling him that it isn't my head that’s cold, it’s my feet.  I used to not be able to sleep on my back, but after 36 degrees tonight, I may just have to cocoon up.  After 10 days of camping and 6 more to go, I’m not sure I’m going to make it.